People around the world seek out Siesta Key for its incredible sugar white sand beaches. Florida International University professor Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach for his annual ranking of the best U.S. beaches, even ranked Siesta Beach No. 1 in the entire country in 2001. And he just ranked it No. 2 in 2016. Plus Siesta Beach recently took the top U.S. spot on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice beach awards.

The recent $21.5 million Siesta Beach improvements have made this top beach even better. There are new concession stands with amazing food, restrooms, picnic areas, a playground and best of all, 980 parking spots!

You’ve heard the saying before – “We live where you vacation” – and it’s perhaps the truest for Siesta Key residents. So take the tips in this newsletter and live like a local. I’ve also included some of my new Siesta Key listings below. Why not become a local yourself?

What To Do When You’re Not On The Beach

On April 29 and 30, get your art on at the 39th Annual Siesta Fiesta. You’ll have a ball at this fine art and handmade crafts festival by the beach showcasing 200 artists and craftsmen from around the country. From sculpture and photography to paintings and ceramics, it’s all here.

Mark your calendars now for one of the most unique events in Sarasota – the Siesta Key Crystal Classic – November 10 to 14. There’s nothing like this international sand sculpting festival. You will be blown away by what people are able to create with nothing but sand.

What To Eat When You’re Not On The Beach

If you go in search of some good seafood on the key, look no further than Big Water Fish Market. Another ranking favorite like Siesta Beach, Big Water’s grouper sandwich was voted best sandwich on the island by TripAdvisor in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Plus it was named best grouper sandwich in the whole state of Florida in 2016! (That’s hard to beat.) If you want to dine in or pick up fish to take home, head to Big Water.

You already love Morton’s Gourmet Market on the mainland in Southside Village, so get ready to love Morton’s Siesta Market, too. You’ll find staple grocery items, take-out meals, fresh produce, meats and seafood. Plus, when you’re ready to kick back and enjoy the sunset over the water, they have a great wine and beer selection.

Cevichela is Latin street food at its best. This Siesta Village destination has delicious food bowls, tacos and grab-and-go ceviche. The buzz around town is that you’ve just got to try Chef Darwin Santa Maria’s new restaurant.

Where To Live When You’re Not On The Beach

Oceane is one of the most anticipated developments on Siesta Key. Six exclusive condominiums will make up the enclave, which is within walking distance of Siesta Key Village. Considering a move to the key? Put Oceane on your list. Units start at $3.8 million.

I’m also excited about my latest Siesta Key sales. One is at 9008 Midnight Pass Road, No. 5. This beautiful unit in The Sea Breeze building sold for $1.7 million. I also recently sold a property at 9150 Blind Pass Road, No. 404, in the Fisherman’s Haven building for $437,000.

Right now, I have another listing for sale in The Sea Breeze building for $1.625 million. This three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom unit is 3,700 square feet and you just have to see it.

I’ll leave you with a fun fact: In 2013, I sold one of my listings on Siesta Key for $10 million – the highest sale price ever on the island!

As you can tell, Siesta Key is not only the best place in Sarasota for a beach day, but I might go as far as saying it’s the best place in Sarasota for a beach life. So put on your flip flops and start living the beach life today!

St. Armands Circle is one of those places in Sarasota that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation. It’s so easy to enjoy an afternoon on the circle – dining, shopping and even taking in one of the many festivals and shows hosted there throughout the year.

With my new listing on Bird Key (a waterfront neighborhood just down the street from St. Armands), I’ve been thinking a lot about my go-to spots on the circle, so I thought I would share them with you. Consider taking a little staycation in your own hometown and exploring these destinations the next time you have a free afternoon!

My dad’s favorite spot when he would come to visit was the Columbia Restaurant on the circle. This Spanish restaurant was founded in 1905 in Tampa’s Ybor City and is the oldest restaurant in Florida. In fact, their location on St. Armands is Sarasota’s oldest restaurant, so you know they must be doing it right. Don’t leave without trying their Black Bean Soup, 1905 Salad, Sangria and Flan.

Once you’ve been to Columbia, you just have to try Shore, too. This open-air, second-floor restaurant is packed for brunch, lunch and dinner. The fun mid-century retro vibe and creative menu will have you coming back again and again. And downstairs, don’t miss the chance to shop in their beachy casual Shore boutique.

If you have a sweet tooth, there’s no better spot on the circle for you to visit than Kilwins. Fudge, toffee, caramel, peanut brittle – it’s all available here, and you can even watch them make their chocolatey treats right in front of you. As one of the most popular destinations on St. Armands, you’ll often find a line of people running straight out the door. My mouth is watering just thinking about their fudge!

Looking for the perfect ensemble for a luncheon, gala or that all-important meeting? Find it at The Met. This luxury independent men and women’s fashion house is widely considered the nicest boutique in Sarasota and it’s right here on the circle. There’s even a day spa upstairs for when you get weary from shopping (and all the eating you’ve done at Columbia, Shore and Kilwins!).

St. Armands is also a mecca for interesting festivals and shows. There are several car shows throughout the year, like the classic Corvette show in May, the Ferrari show in November and Porsches in the Park show in December. But events on the circle aren’t just for car lovers. There’s also the Annual Craft Festival in June and the Annual St. Armands Art Festival in November. If exploring the waters of Sarasota is more your speed, there’s a boat show on the circle in October. But one of my favorite events is Taste of St. Armands. Every October you can sample award-winning recipes from the diverse restaurants on the circle, all while enjoying the idyllic weather.

And while you’re living that vacation lifestyle on the circle, why not pop by to take a look at my latest listing – one of the most exquisite homes in Sarasota. This Bayfront home at 467 Meadow Lark Drive is offered at $6,525,000. It was built in 2000 by Mike Collingwood and designed by sought-after luxury residential architect Clifford M. Scholz.

Once you experience all that St. Armands has to offer, you may be asking yourself, why not live close by? And why not live in this stunning Scholz masterpiece?

It’s no secret – this year has been gangbusters for growth in Sarasota.

A year ago, we wrote to you in this very blog about how much growth we were seeing in Sarasota, especially with downtown condos. Today, we’re still seeing an incredible level of construction and development all over town.

For you, this means an unprecedented number of choices and opportunities. Never before have you had this many options in terms of how you want to live in Sarasota, whether luxury condo living, elegant waterfront homes or authentically artsy neighborhoods are more your style.

If you’re one of those folks who can’t get enough of the Sarasota sunsets, Océane Siesta Key might be ideal. These condominium residences will offer the utmost in exclusivity. There are only six units and they each offer resort-style living on Sarasota’s most famous island. The contemporary Océane will be situated on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, in walking distance to Siesta Key Village and the beach. The residences start at $3.8 million.

And if you like to get out on the water often, there’s no better place than the forthcoming Whitaker Bayou Yacht Club. This development will offer 156 multi-family condos in three four-story buildings. The major plus here (in addition to the great location just minutes from downtown Sarasota) are the 50 boat slips available to owners. While prices aren’t certain yet, most units will likely be around $400,000 and some larger units will be about $800,000.

Then there’s The Mark, which is smack dab in the heart of downtown Sarasota. It offers luxury condo residences from the $700s. This latest development from the prolific Kolter group (also responsible for the much-talked-about Vue Sarasota Bay) will feature shopping and dining on the ground floor, as well as executive offices.

One of the most thrilling neighborhoods in Sarasota right now is the Rosemary District. It’s been experiencing its own boom time in recent months, and the newest addition is Risdon on 5th, designed by architecture firm Halflants and Pichette. The 28-unit project could offer a new, lower price point for the convenient-to-downtown area, with units possibly starting in the $300s. Those units will include 18 condos, four penthouses and six commercial spaces.

This is an exciting time for Sarasota, whether you’re a long-time resident or are just moving to our sophisticated, tropical paradise. Remember – your options are endless for creating a customized, luxury life in Sarasota that you absolutely love.

There’s a certain kind of property that doesn’t come around very often. This is it.

My new listing at 3250 Old Oak Drive is a stunning piece of waterfront property. It’s been owned by one of Sarasota’s oldest families for over 60 years. And now is your chance to make it your own.

One reason it’s a standout? It’s nearly 2.8 acres, and you just don’t see waterfront property that large in today’s market very often.

Listed at $4.5 million, the property offers sweeping views of Sarasota Bay. And the location couldn’t be better in the heart of Sarasota’s sought-after West of the Trail area.

It’s just minutes from downtown shopping and the arts, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and Siesta Key. In fact, the North Siesta Key Bridge is just around the corner, giving homeowners and guests easy access to one of the top beaches in the United States.

Another major plus of this property is an amazing sense of privacy. Dense foliage, including specimen plantings and majestic oaks, plus the large size of the lot means you’ll enjoy 360 degrees of privacy, an asset that can be hard to find in Sarasota.

If you’re looking for the perfect property to build your dream house on, look no further. And when it’s complete, there’s also room for a guest house, a pool, a cabana, a tennis court and even a miniature golf course. (I might have gotten carried away with that one, but really, anything is possible on this vast property.)

You just have to see it to believe this property’s possibilities. So grab a chilled glass of sangria (it is summer, after all) and take a peek at the cinema tour. Watching this video is like walking through the property yourself, so you’re in for a treat. Once you’ve seen the tour, don’t delay. This property is going to go fast. But don’t worry – I’ve got my phone right here next to me, waiting for your call.

One of the most exciting aspects of today’s real estate world is how many choices we have. The options are endless for where and how you’d like to live your life.

Recently, lifestyle communities have exploded in popularity. These communities, also known as common interest communities, allow people to live and play in the same place. They offer social and recreational activities, along with common spaces where people can gather and enjoy meeting new people and exploring new interests.

Lifestyle communities offer the best of both worlds – the chance to expand your social circle and the opportunity to access luxury amenities like pools, spas and fitness facilities.

There are several lifestyle communities in the Sarasota area that homeowners are flocking to. Here are some of the best:

In Lakewood Ranch:

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch – This active community offers 1,250 detached villas and single-family homes from the mid-$300s. A big plus? The community has their own golf course and full-time, on-site lifestyle director.

Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch – It would be hard not to be fit living here. The community has tennis, bocce and pickle ball courts, walking trails, a fitness center and a movement studio. And when you’d like a little down time, the clubhouse features activity and craft rooms, a Wi-Fi café and an outdoor bar.

Sarasota National – This Lennar-built community includes a three-building clubhouse with a dining room, bar and lounge, library, coffee room, meeting room, fitness center, golf club and two 18-hole golf courses. you’ll, also, find a resort pool with lap lanes, a poolside tiki bar, a dog park and much more.

In Sarasota:

Cobblestone on Palmer Ranch – Treat these 70 acres within Palmer Ranch as your own private resort. There are nine single-family home designs to choose from, and homes are nestled around several lakes and natural wetlands. The well-appointed clubhouse is just the tip of the amenities iceberg for residents, with a community park, a dog park and access to the Legacy Trail within walking distance.

Esplanade by Siesta Key – A top benefit of this community is its close proximity to Siesta Key. In less than five minutes, you could be sipping a sunset cocktail at a quaint restaurant in Siesta Village or taking stroll along the beach. When you’d prefer to stick closer to home, the community has a heated lagoon pool and spa to enjoy, as well as a full clubhouse and sporting courts.

In fact, I have a beautiful new listing in Esplanade by Siesta Key. This model-like home at 2525 Vaccaro Drive has three bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a den. It offers lakefront views, wood floors, a gourmet kitchen, a screened lanai and an outside kitchen for $795,000. For more information click here.

Homeowners throughout Sarasota and around the country are choosing lifestyle communities because of the unparalleled amenities and active life they can provide. Maybe it’s time you considered how a lifestyle community might be a great fit for you, too.

I spent every holiday during my childhood visiting my grandparents at their Miami Beach condo that was only three buildings away from the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel. Recently I was thrilled to be back on Florida’s East Coast, and this time by invitation only, for the Luxury Portfolio Summit at the Fontainebleau, a conference attended by national and international independent brokers and their agents who focus on real estate at the upper end of their communities.

My broker, Michael Saunders, is a member of the parent company, the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, which happens to be the largest network of independent real estate companies in the world.

The Performance Summit brought together top sales associates for three days of networking and sessions led by industry thought leaders.

What I learned was invaluable. Not only did I get insights into the modern-day luxury buyer (they aren’t the same people who flocked to Miami Beach during my grandparents era), but I also was reminded of how important it is to make a property stand out from other options on the market.

I thought you might be interested in my biggest takeaways from the summit:

Educate buyers quickly. The luxury buyers of today are smart and savvy. The average high-net-worth client has four homes, often including urban, beach, ski and weekend getaway properties. These buyers want to make educated purchases, so it’s important to give them the facts and figures up front, without fluff. They are busy people, and they don’t have much time to spare.

Build the brand. High-level listings call for more than the average marketing materials. The best real estate agents create a brand around the property that draws potential buyers in with each element of the campaign, from the brochure to the website. Everything should not only impress, but it should all work toward the overall integrated marketing campaign.

Deliver top-notch service. Build trust with your clients by putting their particular needs first and communicating clearly. Boutique brokerage firms like Michael Saunders and other members of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World are perfectly positioned to build trust with their clients because they value personal interactions and individual satisfaction over quantity.

Welcome international buyers. Many of today’s luxury buyers, particularly in Sarasota, are not from the United States. Since many are based in Europe and Asia, they often send a surrogate or work through a lawyer to do initial research and even complete the purchase of a property. The best real estate agents learn to work successfully directly with buyers and through intermediaries.

Embrace independence. Luxury buyers are turning away from big real estate companies in favor of boutique firms like Michael Saunders because they are hyper-focused locally and they know these firms can offer better, more personalized service. And we’re seeing this trend echoing throughout the luxury market, as consumers are choosing hip, independent hotels over chains and choosing stylish, smaller fashion brands over powerhouse labels.

The Performance Summit was a wonderful opportunity to meet with top international brokers and learn more about the changing world of luxury buyers. But perhaps my favorite piece of information I picked up is this: Discerning luxury buyers will increasingly seek out firms like Michael Saunders because we have a reputation for delivering what they want – the very best.